There are several ways to find out your hand size and the specific measurement system you'll need depending on the reason for the hand measurement. The accuracy of the size of the glove requires the size of the circumference or length of the hand in inches or centimeters. Hand span or span can help estimate a person's sporting talent. Hand size is also important when choosing a particular musical instrument.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Measuring Hand Circumference
Step 1. Find out why hand circumference is useful
The size of the hand circumference is the metric standard used by the manufacturer for glove size. The circumference of the hand is measured around the hand, from the point where the base of the little finger meets the palm of the hand to the point where the index finger meets the palm of the hand. If you can buy the gloves yourself, you can simply try them on. However, hand size information may be useful if you order gloves online or have a tailor make them.
Step 2. Ask a friend for help
Measurement will be much easier if you have someone to help. If possible, measure your dominant hand to get an accurate hand measurement for the glove.
Step 3. Hold your hands up
If someone else is taking the measurement for you, keep your palm in a position as if you were about to wave to them. If you want to measure your hand circumference yourself, it may be easier to pay attention to your palm. Hold to keep your fingers spread apart, and allow your thumb to be in a comfortable normal position.
Step 4. Measure the hand
Wrap the tape measure around your hand at the fullest part (flesh), where the base of your fingers meets the palm of your hand. Usually the tape measure extends in a circle from the outside of the palm (just below the little finger) to the crook of the inside of the hand (between the index finger and thumb). Do not measure the outside of the thumb; enough palms.
If you don't have a fabric tape measure, use string/thread or a long piece of paper. Wrap the string (or paper) around your palm as if you were using a tape measure, and be sure to mark where the end of the string (or paper) meets the length of the circle. Next, stretch the string (or paper) and measure it with a ruler on the marked part
Step 5. Record the measurement results
Read the number at the point where the end of the tape measure covers the rest of the length. Adult hand sizes usually range between 15 cm and 28 cm. Children generally have hand sizes between 2.5 cm and 15 cm. The size of the hand circumference in centimeters is directly related to the size of the glove.
Step 6. Find your glove size
After measuring the circumference of your hand, you can compare the number you got to the "standard" size to find your glove size. Check the size of the hand circumference which is the standard glove size guide:
- XS: 18 cm (7 inches)
- S: 19–20 cm (7.5–8 in)
- M: 22–23 cm (8.5–9 in)
- L: 24–25 cm (9.5–10 in)
- XL: 27–28 cm (10.5–11 inches)
- XXL: 29–30 cm (11.5–12 inches)
Method 2 of 3: Measuring Hand Length
Step 1. Measure the hand length for large hands
If your hands are particularly large or long, you may need to use your hand length instead of your wrist circumference to find the right glove size. Most gloves are made for hands of relatively even length and width. So, if your hands are significantly larger than the average hand size, they may only fit into the largest sized gloves even if your palms are a little thick.
Step 2. Hold your hands in the air as if to wave
Point your fingertips toward the ceiling.
Step 3. Measure from the top of your middle finger to the base of your palm
The base of the palm is the fleshy part where the hand meets the wrist. Write down the measurement results. If your arm is longer than your wrist, use this measurement in centimeters (or inches) instead of the circumference of your hand. The measurements are in centimeters (or inches) according to the size of the glove.
- If you're measuring for a baseball glove that fits perfectly, measure from the tip of your index finger down to your wrist. Measurement results, in centimeters (or inches), according to the glove size list.
- If you are measuring to determine the grip size of a tennis racket, measure from the tip of your ring finger down to the crease of the lowest edge of your palm. This position is where your palms fold along the line of the hand.
Method 3 of 3: Measuring Hand Span
Step 1. Consider measuring the span of your hand
Hand span measures are commonly used as a measure of natural advantage in sports involving catching, throwing, tackling, or grasping movements; in particular, for midfielders in American football. The hand span is also used to select the right size of the cello and violin.
- If your arm span is 15, 24 cm or wider, we recommend purchasing a full size 4/4 (standard size) cello. If your hand span is 12, 70-15, 24 cm, choose a 3/4 cello; if the hand span is 10, 16-12, 70 cm, choose a 1/2 size cello; and for the 7, 62-10, 16 cm range, take a 1/4 cello. Keep in mind that height, arm length, age, skill level, and various other indicators may also be used to determine cello size.
- Sports camp analyzers and sports statistics use arm span as a very useful heuristic (study and application of methods). If you're trying to earn a reputation in a soccer or basketball competition, you may be asked to report your hand span size.
Step 2. Place the ruler on a flat surface
If the surface you selected is slippery, tape the tape down. Make sure you feel comfortable when you spread your arms in that place.
Step 3. Flex your hands
Hold your dominant hand, and spread the fingers as wide as possible. Focus on your thumb and little finger, each pulling in the palm of your hand.
Step 4. Place the left side of your dominant hand at the zero point of the ruler
The size can be taken either from the left hand or the right hand. So, the left side in question can be either the little finger or the thumb. Place your palms facing down. Preferably, your middle finger is in a position perpendicular to the ruler.
Step 5. Record the size of your hand span
Measure the point where the right side of your hand falls on the ruler. You should be able to see the "span" or width of your hand, measuring past the thickest part from left to right. For the width of your grip, measure from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your outstretched little finger.
Tips
- It's a good idea to convert your hand measurements to the inch system if you're looking for gloves from overseas, such as from the United States. To get your measurement in inches, divide your centimeter measurement by 2.54.
- If you have small hands and have trouble reaching a standard size violin that sits around your neck, consider buying a smaller 7/8 violin. Violins of this size are usually called "women's violins."
